Ten best new books for July 2020 – all with love stories. A Nora Ephron type rom-com, a fantasy with a princess not in distress, and even a new Gothic historical romance.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you choose to buy through our links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for more information. Every item was chosen by the owners of The Silver Petticoat Review.
This month, escape into the best new books with love stories! Whether you’re patiently waiting for the newest romantic fantasy or desire the latest buzzy historical fiction, we have exciting new titles to share with all of you. Delve into a hilarious romantic comedy or get swept up in a Victorian romance. Whatever your mood or genre preference, we hope to share our monthly top picks and assist you with your next read.
(Note: We have not read every novel on this list, so we can’t vouch for each book’s quality or content. We based this list on research and what we believe sound like good reads.)
The Top 10 Best New Books This July
(SORTED BY RELEASE DATE (DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
JULY 7, 2020 New Releases
#1: The Princess Will Save You
Genres: YA, Romance, Fantasy
Who doesn’t want a fantasy romance “inspired by The Princess Bride?” I am all for true love, wit, adventure, and a princess, not in distress. Sign me up.
#2: Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook
Genres: Historical Fiction, Espionage Thriller, Post World War II, British Literature, Romance
Coming from Celia Rees (Witch Child), I have high hopes for this historical spy novel. It promises intrigue, a splash of romance, female friendships, and delicious/coded recipes. For fans of The Bletchley Circle and Agent Carter.
#3: Not Like the Movies (Waiting for Tom Hanks #2)
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Diving into this book offers a cinematic reading experience. Well, of the Tom Hanks rom-com variety, that is! Chloe doesn’t believe in love, but I’m sure she will by the end. If you love Nora Ephron romantic comedies and happily ever after, this is the book for you!
#4: The Color of Air
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, 1930s, Literary Fiction, Asian American Literature
Bestselling novelist Gail Tsukiyama brings us an exquisite sounding historical novel about the immigrant experience in Hawaii. Set during two time periods, The Color of Air covers romance, sugar plantations, a historic volcano eruption, and “secrets simmering below the surface.” Based on several starred reviews, this is sure to be one of the best new books of the summer.
JULY 14, 2020
#5: Fair as a Star (Victorian Romantics #1)
Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Victorian Era, Clean Romance, Novella
Mimi Matthews is known for her Proper Victorian Romances. Finally, it’s time to dig into another sweeping love story. Plus, it’s a novella. So, a great choice if you’re not in the mood for a long novel.
JULY 21, 2020
#6: Trouble the Saints: A Novel
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Alternate Fantasy, 1930s, WWII, African American Fiction
With an ambitious premise and a promised “magical love story,” this alternate Harlem historical fantasy is already receiving excellent reviews. Not to mention, the main character is a magical assassin in 1930s New York City. Sounds awesome.
#7: Splinters of Scarlet
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Victorian Era, Young Adult, Romance, Mystery
Set in Denmark, this YA fantasy is Downton Abbey with magic. Oh, and don’t forget to add in a touch of Frozen to the mix! Plus, there are several starred reviews already. But who am I kidding? We are all here for the 19th Century magical Downton Abbey premise with a cool setting.
#8: The Year of the Witching
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Historical, Young Adult
Can’t get enough witch books? This alternate history/supernatural novel is a must-read if you like feminist books with a touch of romance. On a side note, the synopsis reminds me of M. Night Shyamalan’s underrated film, The Village, which was fantastic, spooky, and romantic all at the same time.
#9: The Book of Lost Names
Genres: Historical Fiction, WWII, Romance
While the Historical Fiction genre has many WWII novels, The Book of Lost Names still stands out. Not only is this from a talented and established writer known for excellent research, but The Book of Lost Names is also inspired by a true story about the looting of libraries by the Nazis.
Like many historical novels, the narrative jumps between two timelines: 2005 and the 1940s. With romance and an incredible premise, The Book of Lost Names is one of the best new books to add to your reading list this month.
JULY 28, 2020
#10: The Two Mrs. Carlyles
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Gothic Romance, Thriller, Edwardian
Do you love Jane Eyre and Rebecca? Are you always searching for that next gothic read? Well, look no further! The Two Mrs. Carlyles is compared to the gothic classics (particularly Rebecca), mysterious mansion, and all. Not only that, but the 1906 San Francisco earthquake setting sounds perfect!
What July releases are your best new books? Sound off below…
(NOTE: If you’re a publisher, publicist, or author with an upcoming book release that fits the readers of The Silver Petticoat Review, and would like us to consider it for future lists, please send us an email!)
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you choose to buy through our links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for more information. Every item was chosen by the owners of The Silver Petticoat Review.
